"Members of the governing body have a very broad range of skills and a thorough knowledge of provision and performance. They ask searching questions and are robust in discharging their statutory responsibilities, ensuring that the views of all stakeholders are considered in any decision they make."

Ofsted, November 2011.

Balshaw Lane Governing Body

The Governors play a vital role in the school community. They challenge the leadership team in order to evaluate the school's progress and to drive forward school improvement. Our governors are experienced, proactive and highly committed to the school. Several have experience from their own work which is valuable to the school, for example, with financial expertise. Many of them were governors during the last inspection when the governing body was judged to be outstanding.

Please see below to see further details of the governors' roles and responsibilities.

The aims of the Governing Body

• To challenge the leadership team of the school to ensure that standards are continually high.
• To drive forward school improvement.
• To ensure that legal regulations are met.
• To ensure that safeguarding measures are effective and children are safe.
• To monitor and evaluate learning provision.
• To ensure that the curriculum is engaging, vibrant and prepares the children for modern life.
• To recruit the very best staff.
• To make best use of all available funding, focused on learning outcomes.
• To develop the school site and buildings to meet the needs of the children.

Meetings

The Local Governing Body (LGB) meets once a term with all governors. Action points are followed up and further action proposed where necessary. The LGB meeting has an agenda informed by the local authority in order to keep updated with national and local developments. The LGB meetings are minuted by the clerk from the local authority.

Minutes of the LGB meetings are on display in the entrance area of school. Please feel welcome to read them.

Extraordinary meetings may be called if required.

The LGB reports to the trustees and members of Aspirational Futures Multi-Academy Trust.

Monitoring Visits

The governors visit school each term to observe actions which are being taken towards School Improvement Plan priorities. They use their observations and increased awareness to ask the leadership team challenging questions in LGB meetings.

Head and Chair's Surgery

The Chair and Ms Gregson hold an 'open surgery' at least once a term. This is a drop-in session for parents to come and discuss any concerns they may have in an informal way. Any concerns are taken seriously and, where necessary, followed up with staff.

Please check the newsletter for the next surgery date.

Our school governors are:

Mrs J Gibson (Chair of Governors)

Mrs M Collings

Mrs G Ford

Mrs M Klavins-Bridge

Mrs J Barker

Mr R Browne

Miss R Bond

Headteacher  Ms H Gregson
Deputy Head  Mr W Woodrow (observer)

The Governors of Balshaw Lane Primary School believe it is important that Governing Boards reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. Diverse boards promote inclusive school environments and provide diverse role models for staff and young people. Our governors are mostly White British, with one being White South African.   We are striving to make our governing body more diverse and inclusive, recruiting via the Inspiring Governance website and community links.

Pen portraits of the governors

Mrs Gibson

I have been a parent governor at Balshaw Lane Primary School for a number of years; my oldest child has recently left the school to attend secondary school and my youngest child still attends in the infants. I have worked in education for 15 years, previously as a teacher, and now as an Assistant Principal in a Further Education college. I am passionate about helping young people achieve their potential through education and ensuring they have the best opportunities to succeed whilst growing into responsible and caring individuals. I really enjoy my role as a governor and the opportunity it provides to work with the children, staff and families within the Balshaw Lane School community.

Mrs Ford

I am one of the parent governors at Balshaw Lane, with a set of twins in Year 3. I have worked in Special Education since moving to the UK in 2008 and am passionate about helping every young person realise their potential. Having worked as both a teacher and Senior Leader in SEND schools for 16 years, I hope to bring some of my knowledge and experience to share with the Governance Team, to help in continuing to drive the school forward, supporting the needs all of our young people. 

Mr Browne

I am the staff governor, elected by my staff colleagues. I am delighted to be involved in the governing body, helping to make strategic decisions about the future of the school. Taking on this role has enabled me to gain a wider view of the leadership and planning of the school, understanding how our school vision is put into action.

Mrs Collings

I am a parent governor with two children at the school. I am also a primary school teacher at a local school so I enjoy sharing my curricular knowledge to drive school improvement forward. It is really rewarding to be involved in governor work which secures the best education for our children at Balshaw Lane.

Mrs Barker

My role is as the local authority governor for the school. However, I am also a parent with a child at Balshaw Lane. I teach at a local primary school and enjoy using my knowledge of the curriculum and learning to support the children at Balshaw Lane. I feel proud to be part of the governing body, planning for the future of the school community.

Miss Bond

I am proud to have been elected as a co-opted governor at Balshaw Lane Community Primary School.   

During my third year at The University of Central Lancashire, working towards a degree in ‘Dance, Performance and Teaching’, I decided that I wanted to become a primary school teacher. The ability to make a difference and become a role model to many young children was a passion of mine. After graduating, I gained a place on the SCITT programme in Skelmersdale and began my school-centred training. I am now in my sixth year of teaching, I have taught across the primary age phase (year one, three and six) and am currently subject leader of Mathematics.  

As a primary school teacher, I fully understand the importance of a good quality education and have an awareness of how this translates into classroom practice. I am confident that I can share my knowledge of the curriculum, assessment and many other aspects of school life with others.  

In my free time I enjoy teaching dance - a childhood hobby of mine, going to the gym, playing netball and walking my dog, Henry.  

Ms Gregson

I was appointed as head of our school in September 2010 and love my job here at Balshaw Lane. Prior to this role, I was Deputy Head at Lostock Hall Community Primary and acting head at Eccleston Primary.

I find it hugely rewarding to see our children thrive academically and socially. I also love supporting all our families, getting to know them individually and working together as a whole community.

I am proud of how our governing body works together to support and challenge the school. The governors and staff share a clear vision of how the school will continue its success.

Governing Body Roles and Responsibilities 2023-24                                       

Governors' Attendance at Meetings 2016-17